Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord in a man with tabes dorsalis |
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Authors: | Pandey Sanjay |
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Institution: | Department of Neurology, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, Delhi, India. sanjaysgpgi2002@yahoo.co.in |
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Abstract: | BackgroundTabes dorsalis is a late manifestation of untreated syphilis that is characterized by ataxia, lancinating pains, and urinary incontinence. A form of tertiary syphilis or neurosyphilis, it is the result of slow, progressive degeneration of the nerve cells in the spinal cord.MethodCase report.FindingsA 39-year-old man presented with tingling paresthesia in the lower limbs, difficulty in walking, and loss of vision. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the dorsal spine showed intramedullary hyperintensity and cord atrophy, similar to changes seen in subacute combined degeneration. MRI features of tabes dorsalis have not been described previously to the best of our knowledge.ConclusionMRI findings in this patient with tabes dorsalis were similar to those seen in subacute combined degeneration, which is characterized predominantly by cord atrophy and intramedullary hyperintensities. |
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Keywords: | Tabes dorsalis Syphilis Myelitis Meningomyelitis Neurosyphilis Neuroimaging Spinal cord atrophy Optic atrophy Ataxia |
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